Fresh TV has announced the start of production for a new animated musical comedy series, Grojband, a TELETOON Original Production. FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) will serve as the worldwide distributor for television, brand licensing, home entertainment rights and other ancillary rights (excluding Canada) for the series. Geared towards kids 6 to 11 years of age, Grojband is an in-your-face animated comedy that delivers huge laughs and catchy tunes. The rockin’ new series will feature 52 11-minute episodes.“We are psyched that TELETOON Canada has greenlit Fresh TV’s newest series Grojband,” said Tom McGillis, Executive Producer at Fresh TV. “This series is classic, gag-driven animation aimed squarely at our audience’s funny bones.”

“This is our third new series, and our first animated series, in less than two years with Fresh TV,” said Bob Higgins, EVP of Kids & Family Entertainment at FME. “It’s a testament to the amazing creativity and production prowess of our partners at Fresh TV and a confirmation of our burgeoning relationship.”The series follows cool-as-a-cucumber 12-year-old Corey and his three best friends – spunky base player Laney and UNidentical brothers Kin and Kon – as they struggle to rocket their garage band to international stardom. When they realize their lack of lyrical creativity (the only thing stopping them from making it big, they believe), Corey hits the jackpot when he stumbles upon the diary of his drama queen older sister, Trina.

Every episode, Corey and his band scheme to steal Trina’s diary in order to mine it for awesome new song lyrics. And to make sure they’re awesome, all Corey needs to do is ensure his sister’s life remains squarely seated on an emotional roller coaster, wait for her to write about it, pilfer her diary without her noticing and BINGO – another sweet hit is born!

“We look forward to working with Fresh TV and Fremantle on yet another successful show,” said Alan Gregg, Director, Original Content, TELETOON Canada. “Grojband’s eclectic characters, unique visual and narrative style as well as its fun and gritty music, sum up the unreal experience our viewers are looking for.”

Grojband was developed by Fresh TV, in association with TELETOON Canada Inc. and is distributed by FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME). The series is created by Todd Kauffman, and co-directed by Kauffman and Mark Thornton. Executive Producers are Tom McGillis, Jennifer Pertsch, Brian Irving and George Elliott, as well as FME’s Sander Schwartz and Bob Higgins. Associate Producer is Robin McLeod.